What to Pack for Gilgit-Baltistan: A Season-by-Season Packing List

Gilgit-Baltistan's valleys can be warm at midday and freezing at night, and the sun is strong at altitude. Packing in layers is the key at any time of year.

Quick answer: bring layers (T-shirts, a fleece and a warm or down jacket), a waterproof shell, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen, a hat, a power bank and enough cash. Add thermal layers in spring and autumn, and full winter clothing from November to February.

Clothing by season

Spring (March to May)

Days are mild, nights are cold. Pack long sleeves, a fleece, a warm jacket, a light waterproof and a warm hat for evenings.

Summer (June to August)

Valleys can be hot in the day, but Deosai, Khunjerab and Fairy Meadows are cool or cold. Pack light breathable clothes, plus a fleece and a warm jacket for high places and evenings.

Autumn (September to November)

Clear, crisp days and cold nights. Pack thermal base layers, a fleece, a down jacket, gloves and a warm hat.

Winter (December to February)

Below freezing most of the time. Pack thermal underwear, a heavy down jacket, waterproof boots with grip, gloves, a scarf and a warm hat.

Essentials for every trip

• Sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen and lip balm: UV is strong at altitude.
• Comfortable walking shoes or light boots with good grip.
• A reusable water bottle.
• A power bank and adapters: power cuts are common in the mountains.
• A small first-aid kit with any personal medicines, plus something for headaches and stomach upsets.
• A headtorch for power cuts and early starts.

Money and phones

• Carry enough cash in Pakistani rupees. ATMs exist in Gilgit, Aliabad, Karimabad and Skardu, but can run out or fail; cards are accepted only in larger hotels.
• Mobile coverage is good in the main towns and limited in remote areas. SCOM, run by the Special Communications Organization, has the widest coverage in Gilgit-Baltistan; other Pakistani networks work in the main towns.

Documents

• Passport and visa, or CNIC for Pakistani citizens, plus photocopies for check posts.
• Travel insurance details, including cover for mountain areas and trekking altitude if relevant.
• Printed or offline copies of bookings, as signal can drop.

Extra kit for treks

• Broken-in trekking boots and good socks.
• A sleeping bag rated well below freezing for high camps.
• Trekking poles.
• Sun hat and warm hat, gloves and a warm down jacket.
• For Gondogoro La or glacier crossings: crampons and the equipment your guide specifies.

What to wear culturally

Gilgit-Baltistan is conservative. Men and women should cover shoulders and knees; women may want a light scarf for villages and religious sites. Hunza is relaxed, but modest clothing is still appreciated everywhere.

Frequently asked questions

What should I wear in Hunza in summer?

Light, modest clothing for the day and a fleece or warm jacket for evenings and trips to higher places such as the Khunjerab Pass.

Do I need warm clothes in Gilgit-Baltistan in July?

Yes. Valleys are warm, but Deosai, Fairy Meadows and the Khunjerab Pass are cold, and nights are cool everywhere.

Are there ATMs in Hunza and Skardu?

Yes, in Aliabad, Karimabad and Skardu, but they can be unreliable, so carry enough cash for a few days.

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